Behind the Headlines

By Danielle Portteus
Buckle up and drive sober during the Thankgiving week. I received this news release today…

Officers will patrol Monroe County for drunk and unbelted drivers during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Law enforcement across the state will be conducting daytime safety belt enforcement zones and nighttime impaired driving enforcement patrols Monday through Nov. 30, a news release said.
The Office of Highway Safety Planning administers federal traffic safety funds for high visibility enforcement due to reduced traffic injuries and fatalities. Almost 150 agencies in 25 counties are receiving federal funding for the additional Thanksgiving patrols. Additional patrols will take place in Lapeer, Livingston, Monroe, Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.
“Traditionally, Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings, which lead to additional traffic on the roadways,” said Michael L. Prince, director of the Office of Highway Safety Planning. “Michigan law enforcement will be out to ensure motorists buckle up and drive sober so everyone makes it home for the holidays.”
During the past five years, Michigan has averaged 15 traffic deaths during the Thanksgiving holiday period, the news release said. During Thanksgiving weekend in 2007, 11 people died in Michigan traffic crashes, according to the Michigan Department of State Police, Criminal Justice Information Center. Four of the people killed were not wearing a seat belt and one involved alcohol.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, safety belts are proven to reduce the risk of serious injury or death in a crash by 45 percent in a car and 60 percent in pickup trucks or sports utility vehicles.
For a list of planned Thanksgiving patrol dates, times and locations, visit www.michigan.gov/ohsp.